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Phoenix Christmas Mariachi Concert/Festival

Does anyone know how the Phoenix Christmas Mariachi went at US Airways Arena? Any local groups perform?

Permalink Reply by Ballet Folklorico Esperanza on January 9, 2010 at 7:30pm: Kristina's did mine did not!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kristina on January 10, 2010 at 1:53pm: Hi Benny,

Yes my group went again this year, as you may know i was ambivilent about going, however, seeing how strongly my kids wanted to go, I supported them and we went. It has become one of our favorite yearly traditions, and i could not say no. We went, and we did have our own fun in our dressing room of course, saw alot of familiar faces, but I have to say there was a SIGNIFICANT reduction in dancers and Mariachi's. Disapointing as it was, we made the best of it and did make our own memories of course. I would say there were probably about 150 dancers at the most, and unsure of how many Mariachi's.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kristina on January 10, 2010 at 1:56pm: However, it was a good show overall, and all of the dancers were beautiful. I see areas for improvment, mostly communication and organization i would have to say, and it would be nice to have all of us back next year, to make this a bigger and better event.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ballet Folklorico Esperanza on January 10, 2010 at 2:05pm: When did you actually get to practice?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kristina on January 10, 2010 at 2:55pm: the day of.... luckily i have strong and determined dancers, and they were able to pick up the dance in no time flat..; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ballet Folklorico Esperanza on January 10, 2010 at 3:05pm: So in essence each student "paid" for instruction that they did not really get? How can they expect kids to do a good job performing when they get a few hours of instuction? As I stated previously until they act in a professional manor we will not be attending.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Benny Murrietta "Jovie" Valles on January 10, 2010 at 7:55pm: Thanks all for the info. I'm trying to get feed back on the Mariachi Concert from those who attended in the past and much recent (December). I would love to hear from groups in Arizona in what they would like to experience from a folkorico dance festival, what would they like to see, and is it possible to have at 5-10 groups come together for a weekend of learning regional dances.

Also am wondering if there would be interest and support from Arizona groups in having an annual festival geared towards Folkloristas. What do you think? Workshops? Lectures? other interests???

Mariachi festivals are great, but it is more for the musicians and little opportunity for folklorico groups to experience and learn new regional dances not just one or two dances.

I would love to bring in 5 Maestros for the 1st festival and see how that goes.

Give me your thoughts and feedback.

benny; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kristina on January 11, 2010 at 9:40am: I think this idea is great, I am in support any way i can. . please keep me informed, i will email you on your email in a few, just got into work and we are very busy this monday, but will make time to give you my thoughts and ideas!
take care
Kristina; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ballet Folklorico Esperanza on January 11, 2010 at 4:33pm: Hi Benny:
My major problem is that my group consists of children who go to school so any event where they can gather more dance education MUST be during the summer or during spring break etc.

I would be very greatful for any help you can be as far as festivals, workshops etc.

Looking forward to hearing more about the event you plan on bringing to AZ.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kristina on January 11, 2010 at 4:45pm: i have to agree with you there cathy.. and i ll hve to get time off, which i fine as long as i have advance notice on dates.. my parents are very reluctant to let kids take time off...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Ballet Folklorico Esperanza on January 11, 2010 at 4:47pm: My kids do not practice or perform if they have bad grades so how could I ask parents to let them ditch school which is my major problem with the Tucson Mariachi Festival.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Benny Murrietta "Jovie" Valles on January 11, 2010 at 5:41pm: Thanks for the reply. The workshops would be done on the weekends. Spring break is also good, though not all schools are out at the same time. It is the plan to do the workshops on a weekend (2 days) as we do here in California.

Would there be other groups in the Phoenix Valley interested in workshops that you may know of?

I am looking at February 2011 for the 1st folklorico festival, (Saturday and Sunday) both for children, teens, adults.

Kathie, I have your music for "La Danza de las Cintas".

Can you both send me your email address? Please forward to : info@vallesanoarts.org

Thanks; ▶ Reply to This